Now, though, broadband Internet is the norm within the gaming community, and MMOs are generally faster and more elaborate. In that sense, PlanetSide 2 is a game out of time, a sequel coming years too late to a title that was significant at the time. It will be fun, yes, because its action is satisfying and its setting is nice to look at, but the overall experience has since become something not wholly unexpected, with action-RPGs such as TERA and a wide variety of free-to-play titles stealing its thunder.

Shooters, too, have advanced, and PlanetSide 2 still feels a lot like the earlier Battlefield titles, but in space (not really in space; you're on a planet, but everyone's wearing space-suits. You get the idea). You choose your loadout, you spawn, you maybe get in a vehicle and rush to the conflict, fight until you die, and then repeat. Each of the classes has a unique feature, including a jetpack on the Light Assault trooper, but this pales in comparison to what's available in the free-to-play Tribes Ascend.

PlanetSide 2's saving grace might be that it will be a free-to-play game. Given that this reduces the barrier to entry to almost nothing, and the risk of playing it to a mere expenditure of time rather than money, it will doubtless catch the eye of those who fondly remember the original, or at least its name whispered on the lips of those who espoused its glory. And perhaps, between the beta and release, something intrinsic to the experience will change to in some way elevate it above its competitors, but in the meantime, all I can think is that we waited almost a decade for them give the original a new coat of paint and some basic new features.

At least it looks pretty.

ByShelby Reiches
Contributing Writer
Date: July 12, 2012

Game Features:

Battle for Territories and Resources: The core gameplay of PlanetSide 2 is about holding key territories and controlling valuable resources. Each battleground holds valuable resources and key positions, and the empire that can conquer (and manage to hold) these territories will be rewarded with fuel bonuses, ammo bonuses, tech bonuses, and more.

Persistence: In Planetside 2 battles will last longer than a match timer. Battles will last for days or weeks, and finally taking control of the base means it's yours until someone can take it back. Working strategically as a team to capture key tactical positions such as power plants and ammo depots will have long-lasting effects that can shift the tide of battle.

Enormous Maps: PlanetSide 2 will launch with several continent maps; every inch of which will be contestable space. With the new territorial control meta-game, landmass will have intrinsic value even without notable installations or major features.